10 Step Guide to Watching Sandblast Rally 2016

Results, photos, and a handy manual for spectating at your first stage rally.

It's the first weekend in March. Spring is just around the corner here in South Carolina. And once again, it's time for rally cars and bikes to converge on the small town of Patrick and go racing in the Sand Hills State Forest. If you've never been to a rally before, though, there are a few important things you should know.

3.) Speaking of being out in the woods, don't drive your stanced Civic to a rally event. You will be in off-road situations. You will encounter mud, sand, water, holes, and ruts. Drive an appropriate vehicle, such as a Subaru.

4.) You most likely will be speeding around all day just to keep up with the leaders. Stay safe out there.

5.) Bring a radio; it makes it much easier to keep up with the event's progress during the day and lets you be aware of delays.

9.) Try to see all that you can. There's more to the event than just the race; go by the awards ceremony after the final stage; check out the cars, see them close up; get sprayed with champagne, celebrate with the winners.

10.) Have fun! That's what it all comes down to. Use your schedule to make the most of your day. Don't forget, use your head and stay safe out there. Motorsports are dangerous enough as is. Rally can be to a degree more for than the norm for spectators. Just think, stay in the designated spectator areas, and keep close watch on your kids if you bring them along.

(Secret no. 11.) Don't give your young children cowbells or a Vuvuzela - YOU WILL REGRET IT!